Statewide County WI Archives Military Records.....History Of The "Iron Brigade" Civilwar ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/wi/wifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com August 3, 2007, 11:44 pm History Of The "Iron Brigade" "IRON BRIGADE." Early in the beginning of the rebellion, a commission as Brigadier General was tendered to General Kufus King, of this state, a graduate of West Point, and one of the oldest citizens of Milwaukee. On his arrival at Washington, he was assigned to the command of such Wisconsin troops, as had already arrived, or were then expected at that point. The Fifth regiment, arriving in the latter part of July, and the Sixth, arriving on the 7th of August, were, with the nineteenth Indiana, organized as a brigade, and encamped under his command on Meridian Hill, in the suburbs of Washington, where they were joined on the 27th of August by the Second Wisconsin. The brigade thus organized, marched on the 3d of September, occupying a position at the Chain Bridge, five miles from the camp on Meridian Hill. On the following day the Second and Fifth Wisconsin, with the Nineteenth Indiana, being temporarily detached from the brigade, crossed the Potomac, accompanying the division of General William F. Smith, occupied a commanding position covering the approaches to the bridge, and commenced the erection of earths works now called Fort Marcy. It may be here stated that the Fifth Wisconsin was soon after permanently attached to General Smith's command. On the 5th of September, the two remaining regiments went into "Camp Advance," near the fart, at which they continued to work by details, until its completion; at the same time performing outpost duty on the roads leading to Lewinsville on the left and Deansville on the right. They remained at this camp until the 1st of October, when they recrossed the Potomac, joining the brigade, which was further augmented on the same day, by the arrival of the Seventh Wisconsin. Having been ordered to join McDowell's division, the brigade marched on the 5th of October, by way of Georgetown Aqueduct, a distance of six miles, to Fort Tillinghast, on Arlington Heights, Va., where they went into winter quarters, and were employed in drilling and the performance of outpost duty, near Falls Church, until the 10th of March, 1862. At this date, the brigade, taking part in the advance of the army upon Manassas, marched out sixteen miles, encamping at Germantown, near Fairfax Court House. General King having been promoted to the command of a division, Colonel Cutler of the Sixth took, command of the brigade,, and returning on the 15th, they proceeded by way of Alexandria, encamping on the following day at Fort Tillinghast; whence they moved on the 18th, occupying a position at Fairfax Seminary, near Alexandria, General McDowell having been placed in command of the department of the Rappahannock, they left Alexandria on the 5th of April, and marching by Centreville, Manassas Junction and Bristoe Station, encamped on the 12th at Catlett's Station, on the Orange & Alexandria railroad, where they were employed in railroad guard duty until the 21st: at which date the march was resumed, the brigade going into camp at Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, on the 23d. On the 27th of April they moved to Brooks' Station, on the Richmond and Fredericksburg railway, where they encamped and commenced the erection of a bridge across Akakeek Run, returning on the 2d of May to camp on the north bank of the Rappahannock, from which various detachments from the brigade were sent out for the purpose of building and guarding bridges and blockhouses on the south side of the river. While at this place, General Gibbon took command of the brigade. They crossed the Rappahannock on the 25th of May, advancing on the Bowling Green road eight miles, and occupying a position near Guineas7 Station, from which they marched on the 29th, with a large de* tachment of our forces, designed to cooperate with Banks' and Fremont's forces in cutting off the retreat of Jackson from the Shenandoah valley. Proceeding by way of Falmouth and Catlett's Station, they encamped, on the 1st of June, at Haymarket, on the Manassas Gap railroad, where they remained three days, removing camp on the 5th, to Warrenton. The attempt upon Jackson's forces having proved abortive, the return march was commenced on the 8th, and marching by Warrenton Junction and Hartwood, the brigade encamped at Falmouth, on the 10th, having marched a distance of one hundred and four miles, On the 24th of July they left Falmouth under orders to effect a reconnoissance in the direction of Orange Court House, to ascertain the force and design of the enemy, then gathering on General Pope's front. Advancing by way of Chancellorville, they encountered the enemy's pickets on the 26th, at the distance of a mile from the Court House, A skirmish ensued, in which the enemy was routed and a few prisoners captured, when, having accomplished the object of the expedition, a return was ordered, and the troops re-entered camp on the evening of the 27th, having marched a distance of eighty miles within three days. In order to cut the enemy's line of communication, the Sixth Wisconsin, with a small additional force of cavalry and artillery, under command of Colonel Cutler, was detached on the 5th of August, for the purpose of destroying the Virginia Central railroad in the vicinity of Frederick's Hall, twenty-three miles from the junction with the Richmond and Potomac railroad. They arrived at that place on the following day, and tore up the track for a mile in each direction, burned a large warehouse filled with confederate supplies, tobacco, and other articles, and destroyed the depot, switches and telegraph, burning two bridges on their return. Meanwhile, to effect a diversion, the balance of the brigade had marched on the telegraph road, engaged the enemy's cavalry on the 5th in a sharp skirmish at Thornburg, on Tar River, and pushing forward on the following day to the vicinity of Beaver Dam Station, on the Virginia Central railroad, when the rear of the column was attacked by Stuart's cavalry. The assault was handsomely repulsed, the rebels being driven back to the neighborhood of Fredericksburg, where they made their escape across the fields in disorder, carrying with them seventeen men of the Second regiment, who had become exhausted on the march, and had been sent back in the morning, Our troops moved to Spottsylvania Court House on the 7th, where they were joined by Colonel Cutler's command, which had marched upwards of one hundred miles within three days, penetrating to a point thirty miles within the enemy's lines. The brigade returned to Falmouth on the 8th, Two days afterwards, on the 10th, they marched by Hartwood Church, a distance of twenty miles, to Barnett's Ford, where they crossed the Rappahannock River and pushed forward on the following day, by way of Stevensburg, thirty miles to Cedar Mountain, near Culpepper Court House, where they took position in the advance line of the Army of Virginia. Taking part in the general movement of the army under General Pope, they moved, on the 19th, in the direction of Rappahannock Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, crossing the Rappahannock on the following day, and occupying a position north of the railroad, whence they moved to the right, covering Beverly Ford, where a skirmish with the enemy took place, in which the loss of the brigade was comparatively trifling. On the 23d they encamped near Warrenton, on the road to White Sulphur Springs. Moving towards the latter place on the 28th, they skirmished all day with the rebel forces, sustaining slight loss, and on the following day, marched by Warrenton sixteen miles to Buckland Mills, In the forenoon of the 28th of August, they proceeded slowly on the left of the army, by Gainesville, to Groveton, where they turned to the right on the Bethlehem Church road, and lay under arms until five in the afternoon, when they returned to the Warrenton pike, marching towards Centreville. While marching by the flank, the Second Wisconsin in advance, was attacked by a battery posted on a wooded eminence to the left. The regiment promptly advanced upon the battery, and soon encountered the enemy's infantry. While awaiting the arrival of the rest of the brigade, this regiment sustained and checked, for nearly twenty minutes, the onset of "Stonewall" Jackson's entire division, under a murderous concentric fire of musketry. The battle was continued by the brigade until nine in the evening, when the enemy's attack was repulsed, although he continued to hold his own line. About midnight, General King, the division commander, ordered a retreat by the Bethlehem road to Manassas Junction, where they arrived on the following morning at sunrise, having been compelled to leave a number of their wounded and hospital attendants to fall into the hands of the enemy. In the afternoon they moved up the, Sudley road to the crossing of the Warrenton pike, where they rested under arms. On the 30th of August, the Second was temporarily consolidated with the Seventh Wisconsin, and the brigade, about noon, moved down the north side of the Warrenton pike, in the second line of battle, to assault the enemy's left, posted in a thick wood. The enemy was driven through the wood, and succeeded in making- a stand in an old railroad cut. While engaged in assaulting this position, the success of the rebel attack upon the left flank of our army made it necessary to fall back, the brigade occupying a new position on an eminence in the northeast angle of the Warrenton and Sudley roads. The repeated attacks of the enemy on the front and flank of this position were repulsed with great slaughter, but his continued success on the extreme left, threatening the communication with Centreville, rendered it imperative to withdraw. Although under a heavy fire of artillery, this movement was effected in good order, the brigade occupying a hill near Bull Run, overlooking and commanding the Stone Bridge and its approaches. Acting as rear guard to the army, skirmishers were thrown out, and the Iron Brigade, formed in line of battle, retained the position until the entire army had passed, on the road to Centreville. About eleven in the evening, they marched across Bull Bun in column of companies, and bivouacked at Cub Bun. An eye witness writes: " Gibbon's brigade covered the rear, not leaving the field until after nine o'clock at night, gathering up stragglers as they marched, and showing so steady a line that the enemy made no attempt to molest them," The movement to the rear was resumed on the following day, and proceeding by Centreville, Germantown and Falls Church, they went into camp on Upton's Hill, near Washington, on the 2d of September. Participating in the movement of the army under the command of General McOlellan, they broke camp at Upton's Hill on the 6th of September, Crossing the Potomac at "Washington, and proceeding by way of Mechanicsville, and New Market, a distance of eighty miles, entered Frederick City, Md., on the 14th. Passing through the city, they marched to Turner's Pass of South Mountain, where the enemy was strongly posted in the gorge and across the national road. To the brigade was assigned the duty of storming this position. The assault commenced about half-past five in the afternoon, the Second leading on the left of the road, and the Sixth and Seventh on the right. At nine o'clock the enemy was routad and driven from the pass, which was occupied by our forces. On the 15th, leading Hooker's division in advance of the entire army, they pursued the retreating enemy through Boonsboro, a distance of fourteen miles to Antietam Creek, where a skirmish ensued, in which they sustained no loss. On this march, the fatigue and exposure of the two campaigns began to be felt so severely that a number of men were compelled to remain behind from sickness and exhaustion. The following day was spent in attaining a position on the south bank of Antietaim Creek, opposite the enemy's left flank, The battle of Antietam was commenced by the advance of Hooker's column. Early in the morning the brigade became hotly engaged, dislodging the enemy in their front, after a severe conflict, and occupying the position for two hours, until relieved by fresh troops. During the remainder of this and the following day they remained under arms on the field, marching on the 19th to the Potomac River, near Sharpsburg, where they went into camp. On the 20th of October, camp was removed seven miles to Bakersville, where the Twenty-Fourth Michigan was added to the brigade. From this place they marched on the 26th, and proceeding byway of Keedysyille and Crampton's Grap, a distance of twenty miles, encamped on the following day at Petersville, in Middletown Valley. Moving thence on the 30th, they crossed the Potomac at Berlin, and marching sixty-two miles through Snickersville and Bloomfield, arrived on the 9th of November at Warrenton, Va., where they remained five days, marching six miles on the 11th to Fayetteville, The march was resumed on the 17th; the brigade moving by way of Morrisville, and Stafford Court House, thirty miles, to Brooks' Station, on the Acquia Creek railroad, where they encamped on the 22d. General Gibbon having been placed in charge of a division, Colonel Cutler of the Sixth Wisconsin took command of the brigade on the 5th of November, retaining it until after their arrival at Brooks' station, at which place General Meredith took the command. Taking part in the general movement of the army, ordered by General Burnside, they left Brooks' Station on the 9th of December, forded Potomac Creek south of the railroad, and crossing the Rappahannock on the 12th, under the fire of the enemy's artillery, occupied a position at Bernard House. In the great battle of Fredericksburg on the 13th, the brigade held' an exposed and very important position on the extreme left: was constantly changing lines in accordance with the varying fortunes of the day in other parts of the field, and always under severe artillery fire, but suffering little from musketry, except when engaged in skirmishing with the supports of the light artillery, attached to Stuart's Cavalry, and posted opposite their left flank. Shortly after sunset they drew in towards the right, and advanced to the Bowling Green road, for the purpose of assuring the position of batteries placed to cover our lines in front of Fitz Hugh's Crossing. While effecting this movement they were subjected to as heavy fire of grape and canister, but the range being inaccurate, owing to the darkness, they suffered but slight loss. During the two days following they were constantly under arms, retiring safely on the evening of the 15th to tho north bank of the Rappahannock, where they bivouacked in line facing the river for four days, moving on the 20th towards Belle Plaine, Va., twelve miles distant, at which place they went into winter quarters on the 23d. On the 20th of January, 1863, they broke camp, taking part in the movement since known by the army as the "Mud Campaign." Marching as far as Stoneman's Switch, on the Acquia Creek railroad, the stormy weather and muddy roads compelled a return to camp, which they re-entered on the 24th, having accomplished nothing but a very toilsome and vexatious march of forty miles. On the 12th of February the Second and Sixth Wisconsin, under command of Colonel Fairchild, of the Second, left camp at two in the afternoon, embarking at Pratt's Landing, and proceeded down the Potomac. Landing at Cone River, in Northumberland County, Va., at noon on the following day, they marched to and occupied Heathsville, the county seat, five miles distant, at which place they seized a number of horses and mules, with a quantity of stores, and took prisoners several prominent secessionists, returning the same evening to the vicinity of the steamer. On the 14th, Colonel Fairchild, finding it impossible to ship all the horses which had been seized, detached thirty-four men of the Second to take charge of the same number of horses and proceed overland to camp, when the expedition re-embarked, proceeding to an anchorage in the river, and returned in safety to camp on the following day, bringing 5,000 pounds of confiscated bacon, thirty horses and mules, seventy contrabands and four prisoners. The detachment also arrived safely on the 17th, after a journey of nearly one hundred miles through the enemy's country, in which they added largely to the proceeds of the expedition by the capture of valuable horses and mules, which they brought into camp under the charge of negroes, who had joined them en route. The monotony of life in winter quarters was again relieved on the 25th of March by a similar expedition under Colonel Fairchild, consisting of the Second Wisconsin, with a squad of twenty cavalry. Embarking at four in the afternoon, they steamed down the Potomac about sixty miles, and came to anchor. At daylight on the following morning the expedition landed in Westmoreland County, Va., the infantry remaining three hours near the place of debarkation, to afford time for a reconnoissance by the cavalry. This having been effected, the whole force marched three and a half miles to Lower Machodoc Creek, where the steamer soon arrived. Here they remained, seizing and loading on the transport such stores and forage as could be readily gathered, until the morning of the 28th, when a return was ordered. The cavalry, with the addition of twenty-three infantry volunteers mounted, was despatched overland, under command of Captain Wood, and arrived safely in camp on the following day, with forty-eight confiscated horses and mules. The main body of the expedition rejoined the brigade on the evening of the 28th, bringing in fifteen horses and mules, with a quantity of bacon, wheat; corn and beans, and two anchors and chain cables, the latter having been taken from a rebel schooner found in the creek, which, after being dismantled, was burned by the expedition. The command of the army of the Potomac having been transferred to General Hooker, a forward movement was ordered, in compliance with which the brigade left camp on the 28th of April, and bivouacked in the woods near White 'Oak Church, two miles from the river. At an early hour in the following morning they marched to the Rappahannock, at Fitz Hugh's Crossing. The engineers with the sharpshooters, stationed for their protection, having been discovered and driven from the bank by the enemy, the brigade was formed for the purpose of forcing a passage. Companies B, D, and E, of the Second Wisconsin, detailed for that purpose, manned the pontoon wagons and ran them down to the river, when the whole line advanced on the double quick, under a galling fire from the enemy's rifle pits. The pontoons were launched and instantly filled by men from all the regiments of the brigade, who pushed across, and, led by the Sixth Wisconsin and Twenty-fourth Michigan, charged up the heights, carrying the rebel rifle pits by storm, and capturing several hundred prisoners. The bridges were immediately laid, and the brigade, reinforced by the balance of the division, when they proceeded at once to entrench the position, in order to command the approaches against the greatly superior forces of the enemy, who constantly menaced the front, keeping his outposts within musket shot of the works. Here they remained under occasional fire from the enemy's artillery, until the 2d of May, when they recrossed the Rappahannock, and moving with the First corps, the brigade took up the line of march to join our forces on the extreme right, Crossing the Rappahannock at United States Ford, at four in the morning of the 3d, they reached the front near Chancellorville, at sunrise, after a march of eighteen miles. Here they took possession of and entrenched a position on the right of, and covering the road from Fredericksburg to Ely's Ford on the Rapidan, and remained without being seriously engaged, until the 6th, at which date they again returned across the Rappahannock, and marching eighteen miles to Fitz Hugh's Crossing, went into camp. On the 21st of May the brigade was dispatched on an expedition down the "Northern Neck" for the relief of a regiment of cavalry, reported to be cut off by the enemy. Proceeding by way of Oak Grove they met the cavalry at Westmoreland Court House, and returned to camp on the 27th, having marched one hundred and twenty miles. Shortly afterwards the Seventh Wisconsin, with companies A and I of the Second, under command of Colonel Robinson of the Seventh, were detailed from the brigade to serve as support to a cavalry reconnoissance in the direction of Culpepper. Leaving camp on the 7th of June, they crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford on the following day, and marched to Brandy Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, paiticipating in the cavalry battle at that place; after which they re-crossed the Rappahannock, encamping on the 10th at Bealton Station. Marching in the advance of the army of the Potomac in its movement to intercept the progress of the rebels under General Lee, the brigade broke camp at Fitz Hugh's Crossing on the 12th of June, and having been joined at Bealton Station on the following day by the detachment under Colonel Robinson, crossed the Potomac on the 25th at Edward's Ferry. Continuing the march through Maryland, they arrived on the 30th at Marsh Creek, in Adams County, Penn., after a toilsome march of about one hundred and sixty miles. At an early hour on the 1st of July they moved cautiously in the direction of Gettysburg. When within a mile of that place, they turned to the left, under orders to advance to the support of General Buford's cavalry, then hard pressed by the enemy's advance on the Cashtown road. The Second Wisconsin haivng [sic] that day the lead of the marching column, first met the enemy, (Heth's division of A. P. Hill's corps), who was rapidly advancing on the front and both flanks of one of Buford's light batteries, on the west of the Theological Seminary, The regiment came into line on the double quick behind a slight elevation, and without waiting for the rest of the brigade to form, advanced over the crest, receiving a volley which cut down over thirty per cent, of the rank and file. With Wisconsin bravery, they dashed upon the enemy's centre and crushed it, when the rebel advance was at once checked, and as the other regiments of the brigade came successively into line, the enemy was driven across a wheat field, through a thick wood, and out of a ravine in which he was strongly posted. After a conflict of less than half an hour's duration, the rebels entirely abandoned the field, leaving upwards of eight hundred prisoners, including General Archer and the Second Mississippi, with its colors, in the hands of the brigade. They then occupied a position in the woods, remaining under arms until three in the afternoon, when Hill's corps, reinforced by the arrival of Ewell from Carlisle, advanced to the assault in overwhelming numbers. Notwithstanding the enormous losses in the early part of the day, it was only after a stubborn resistance of nearly two hours, and when almost surrounded, that the brigade retired through the town of Gettysburg to a position on Cemetery Hill, with their left resting on the Baltimore pike, where they threw up slight entrenchments, and remained exposed to the enemy's artillery until the 5th, when they moved to the Emmetsburg road. Participating in the pursuit of the enemy, which followed this memorable battle, they left Gettysburg on the 6th, and marching by way of Middletown and Williamsport, crossed the Potomac at Berlin on the 18th, and encamped at Warrenton Junction, Va., on the 25th of July, Moving thence on the 1st of August to Beverly Ford, they crossed the Rappahannock on the following day and remained under arms a short distance from the ford, until the 7th, when they re-crossed the river and went into camp south of the railroad, at which place they were stationed for the performance of outpost and .garrison duty in the works on the south bank of the river, near Rappahannock Station. On the 16th of September they again re-crossed the river, marching by Brandy Station to Pony Mountain, near Culpepper; where, on the anniversary of the battle of Antietam, the brigade was presented with a beautiful flag, the gift of citizens of Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan residing in Washington, Remaining here a week, they moved on the 24th to Morton's Ford on the Rapidan, where they were employed in the performance of picket and guard duty, until the 24th, at which date the Second was moved a mile to the left; the balance of the brigade retiring a couple of miles from the river, and going into bivouac as permanent reserve to the picket guard. The losses of the brigade in the various general engagements in which they were under fire may be seen from the following table, compiled from the official returns: BATTLES OF GAINSVILLE AND BULL RUN, AUG. 26 TO 31, 1862. Killed. Wound'd Missing. Total. Second WI 70 196 31 297 Sixth WI 17 91 11 119 Seventh WI 31 153 33 217 Nineteenth WI 47 168 44 259 165 608 119 892 BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN, VA.,SEPT. 14,1862. Killed. Wound'd Missing. Total. Second WI 9 18 27 Sixth WI 11 79 90 Seventh WI 11 115 21 147 Nineteenth WI 9 37 7 63 40 249 28 317 BATTLE OF ANTIETAM, MD., SEPT. 17, 1862. Killed. Wound'd Missing. Total. Second Wisconsin 29 49 78 Sixth Wisconsin 28 114 152 Seventh Wisconsin 9 26 5 40 Nineteenth Indiana 6 72 25 103 Total. 82 261 30 373 ACTIONS AT FREDERICKSBURG, VA., DEC. 12 TO 15, 1862. Killed. Wound'd Missing. Total. Second Wisconsin 2 9 11 Sixth Wisconsin 4 4 Seventh Wisconsin 1 8 12 Nineteenth Indiana 1 8 3 6 Twenty-fourth Michigan 8 19 2 27 Total. 12 43 5 60 ACTIONS AT FITZ HUGH CROSSING AND CHANCELLORVILLE, VA., APRIL 29 TO MAY 6, 1863. Killed. Wound'd Missing. Total. Second Wisconsin 5 1 6 Sixth Wisconsin 3 13 Seventh Wisconsin 3 5 1 Nineteenth Indiana 1 3 1 Twenty-fourth Michigan 4 20 Total. 11 46 3 60 BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG, PA., JULY 1 TO 4, 1863. Killed. Wound'd Missing. Total. Second Wisconsin 37 144 52 233 Sixth Wisconsin 30 113 23 166 Seventh Wisconsin 27 109 43 179 Nineteenth Indiana 26 134 61 221 Twenty-fourth Michigan 54 229 37 361 Total. 174 720 266 1160 A list of casualties, amounting to nearly one hundred per cent. of the numbers engaged. Trustworthy at all times, unflinchingly performing their whole duty as soldiers, the conduct of the Iron Brigade has won the admiration of the highest officers in the army. From a host of others, but one encomium is here inserted. The following endorsement, by General McClellan, upon a letter, written shortly after the battle of Antietam, to the Governor of Wisconsin, was made the subject of a congratulatory order by General Gibbon, the brigade commander: "I beg to add to this endorsement the expression of my great admiration of the conduct of the three Wisconsin regiments in General Gibbon's brigade, I have seen them under fire, acting in a manner that reflects the greatest possible credit and honor upon themselves and their State. THEY ARE EQUAL TO THE BEST TROOPS IN ANY ARMY IN THE WORLD." The Iron Brigade remained near Morton's Ford, on the Rapidan, as permanent reserve to the picket guard, until the 10th of October, when, after a feint of crossing, they marched as rear guard of the corps, crossing the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, and proceeding by way of Warrenton Junction and Manassas to Centreville, from which place they marched, on the 19th by way of Gainesville to Haymarket, where the brigade was deployed on the Greenwich road, as support to Kilpatrick's cavalry. In the evening, one hundred men with two officers were detailed from the Seventh regiment for picket duty near Buckland, where they were attacked by overwhelming numbers of the rebel cavalry, which succeeded in turning both flanks of the picket line, and captured one officer and thirty-four men. Next day the brigade marched through Thoroughfare Gap to Georgetown, whence, on the 24th, they returned by Haymarket and Gainesville to Brentsville, and finally to Bristoe Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, where they were stationed, furnishing daily details for picket duty, on Kettle Run and the Brentville road, until the 5th of November. At this date they again marched, and proceeding by Catlett's Station and Morristown, crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, encamping on the 8th at Brandy Station on the Orange and Alexandria railroad. On the following day they recrossed the Rappahannock at the railroad bridge and went into camp at Beverly Ford, where they resumed the performance of guard duty. Participating in the general movement of our forces to repel the threatened attack of the rebels upon our communications, they were put in motion on the 26th of November, and crossing the Rapidan at Culpepper Mine Ford, at daybreak on the following morning, they marched by Parker's Store to the intersection of the Spottsylvania road with the Orange plank road. At this point the Sixth, which was acting as guard to the corps ammunition train, repulsed in a severe skirmish the assault of a portion of Hampton's Legion, which attacked the train. Pursuing the march through the Wilderness, they bivouacked for the night near Robinson's Farm on the old turnpike. On the 28th they advanced, driving the enemy's outposts and skirmishers across Mine Run, when they bivouacked in line on a crest overlooking the stream, and in sight of the rebel works on the opposite side, in which position they remained under occasional artillery fire, and awaiting the signal for assault. The attack upon the enemy's works at this place having been abandoned, the return march was commenced on the 1st of December, and crossing the Rapidan at Germania Ford, they encamped, on the 4th, at Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock, where they went into winter quarters, furnishing heavy details for outpost and picket duty. On the 28th of December, the total number of men belonging to the Seventh regiment, present with the army, was two hundred and forty-nine. Of these, two hundred and eleven re-enlisted as veterans, under General Orders of the War Department, On the 31st, two hundred and twenty-seven of the Sixth regiment also re-enlisted, and at various dates during the month forty members of the Second had re-enlisted. The veterans of the Sixth and Seventh were re-mustered into the service on the 1st of January, and those of the Second shortly afterward. The non-veterans of these regiments having been temporarily transferred to other organizations, the re-enlisted men of the Seventh left Culpepper, by rail, on the 4th of January, 1864, and arrived on the 12th at Madison, Wisconsin, where they received veteran furloughs for thirty days, at the expiration of which they were ordered to report at Racine, They were followed by the veterans of the Sixth regiment, who left Culpepper, Va., on the 7th, arriving at Milwaukee on the 14th. The re-enlisted men of the Second arrived at Madison on the 28th. On receiving their furloughs, these veterans of many battles dispersed to their homes in various parts of the state, to enjoy their short respite from duty. During the absence of the re-enlisted men of the Wisconsin organizations, the Second regiment, with the non-veterans of the brigade, participated, on the 6th and 7th of February, in a reconnoisance to the Rapidan River, during which they advanced to Raccoon Ford, burned the village and returned, without loss, to camp. The Veteran Seventh rendezvoused on the 11th of February at Racine, and again left the state for the seat of war on the 18th, arriving on the 24th in camp, near Culpepper. The Sixth left the regimental rendezvous at Milwaukee on the 22d, and rejoined their comrades in arms on the 28th. The veterans of the Second followed shortly afterwards. Thenceforward, until the opening of the campaign, the Iron Brigade was thoroughly drilled in all the requirements of the soldier; and in the organization of the army was, in March, assigned to position as the First brigade, Fourth division, Fifth army corps, with which they were subsequently identified. Accompanying the grand forward movement of the army of the Potomac, under Generals Grant and Meade, the Iron Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Cutler, formerly colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin, broke camp at Culpepper at midnight on the 3d of May, and marching all night, crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford on the following morning, and taking the plank road in the direction of Chancellorville, bivouacked at Old Wilderness Tavern. On the mornine of the 5th they diverged from the plank road a mile to the right, where line of battle was formed in the Wilderness, the Second being placed on the right of the Seventh, which was in the front line on the left of the brigade. The Sixth was held in the rear as reserve to the brigade. Shortly afterwards, at the command to move forward, they advanced by companies, through a heavy growth of pine and underbrush, a distance of nearly a mile, where at noon they encountered the enemy's line, in position, covered by the forest and thick underbrush, with his skirmish line but a few paces in advance. At a distance of forty paces, the enemy, directly in front, poured in a terrible fire, which was at once returned with such effect as to throw the rebels into disorder. Our troops immediately charged with the bayonet, and at this point Corporal George A. Smith, of company H, Seventh regiment, rushed forward, capturing the battle-flag of the Forty-eighth Virginia, which was in their front.* The brigade steadily advanced, driving the enemy to his second line, which was also routed, "the severe fire from our ranks strewing the ground with dead and dying," when the rebels were reinforced by A, P. Hill's corps. At this time our troops had driven the enemy a mile and a half through the timber, and the line on the left of the brigade having given way, they were, by a flank attack, in turn driven back in disorder, but without panic, to their original position, where the line was reformed. At six in the evening, they moved to the left, near the Fredericksburg and Orange Court House road, to support the Second corps, which had been fiercely attacked by the enemy. About dusk they advanced to within seventy-five yards of the rebel lines, in which position they lay on their arms during the night. * Corporal Smith was killed on the field later in the action. The battle was resumed at daylight on the following morning. Acting as support to the Second corps, they participated in the grand charge upon the rebels in front, (A. P. Hill's corps,) forcing the enemy steadily back until he was reinforced by the arrival of his artillery and a part of Longstreet's corps. Owing to the nature of the field, it was impossible to bring our artillery into position, and the troops were compelled to fall back to the line which they had occupied during the night. During the day, two other unsuccessful attempts were made to advance our lines on the left, after which the enemy, having massed his troops, made a determined assault upon our lines, which, after a severe contest, was repulsed with great slaughter. In the third assault upon the enemy, General Wadsworth, the division commander, was killed, when the command of the division devolved upon General Cutler, Colonel Robinson, of the Seventh, assuming command of the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Finnfcum taking charge of the regiment. On the same day, Colonel Bragg, of the Sixth, was placed in command of the Third brigade, which position he retained until the 10th of June, when it was transferred to another division, and Colonel Bragg took command of the First (Iron) brigade. The 7th of May was principally spent in effecting certain changes of position, In the evening commenced the movement in the direction of Spottsylvania Court House; marching all night by way of Shady Grove Church and Todd's Tavern, they arrived at ten next morning at Laurel Hill. Near this place the troops were halted, and while preparing breakfast were again ordered forward. Forming line of battle under the fire of the enemy's artillery, with the Sixth Wisconsin on the right, and the Seventh on the left of the brigade front, they immediately advanced to the assault of the enemy's entrenchments. After a severe contest, they were compelled to fall back half a mile, when they rallied and again advanced, driving the enemy over the ground where they had just fought, and taking a 3trong position within three hundred yards of the enemy's works, which they fortified and held, successfully resisting several attempts to dislodge them. On the evening of the 9th, the enemy advanced, driving in the pickets on the left of the brigade front, and succeeded in establishing a body of sharpshooters in a thick wood, within about fifty yards of the breastworks. These sharpshooters were driven out the same evening by a detachment of sixty men from the Seventh regiment, who volunteered for that purpose. Next day they again advanced to charge the enemy's works in front, the Seventh holding the extreme left of the brigade. The troops on their left having given way, under the severe fire to which they were exposed, this regiment deployed out in heavy skirmish line, covering a space equal to three times its front, and the attack being repulsed, the brigade retired under fire in good order to the breastworks, The 11th was occupied in shelling and skirmishing on both sides. On this day, the Second Wisconsin, having been reduced to less than one hundred men present for duty, and having lost both field officers, who were wounded and in the hands of the enemy, was detailed as provost guard of the Fourth division, Fifth army corps, thus severing its connection with the Iron Brigade, with which the regiment had been identified since its organization in 1861. At nine in the morning of the 12th of May, the brigade again took part in an unsuccessful assault upon the rebel works, shortly after which they moved about three miles to the left to the support of the Second corps, which had gallantly carried an important part of the enemy's line, in the charge of the morning. Here they occupied position on the right of General Hancock's troops, standing in deep mud and keeping up a constant fire for the protection of the troops who were at work on the fortifications. From constant firing, the muskets became so foul that it became necessary to send details of men to wash the guns, while their comrades kept up the fire. In many instances, also, the weariness of the men was so overpowering, having been under fire day and night since the morning of the 8th, that they lay down in the mud and slept under the enemy's fire, notwithstanding the exertions of the officers to keep them awake. Early on the following morning, the brigade was relieved, and marched back to position near Laurel Hill, rejoining the Fifth corps. Participating in the general movement of our army to the left, they marched from this place late in the evening, and having forded the Po River twice during the night, occupied position at five in the morning of the 14th, on the right of Burnside's corps, one and a half miles from Spottsylvania Court House, where field works were thrown up in front of the enemy, and the brigade remained engaged in picket and guard duty, with occasional artillery duels and shelling from the enemy, until the 21st, when the flank movement of the army was resumed. Marching in a southeasterly direction, they crossed the Po River and the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad, halting on the following day at a point five miles southeast from Guineas' Station, where breastworks were erected, and the brigade remained as guard until the trains had passed, when they again pushed forward in pursuit of Ewell's corps to Bull Church near the Mat River. March was resumed on the morning of the 23d. The brigade crossed the North Anna at Jericho Ford in the afternoon, and moved forward to a point one mile from the river, where line of battle was formed—the Sixth on the left of the brigade, with the Seventh next on the right. While the line was yet incomplete, at six in the evening, the enemy attacked in front and flank, forcing the line back half a mile, when they were reinforced by two batteries of artillery, and the brigade rallied, the Seventh being placed on the right of a battery, holding the extreme right of the line. After a severe conflict, lasting upwards of two hours, the rebels were driven from the field in disorder. The conduct of the brigade in this action was highly complimented by the officers of the army. During the following day, they remained upon the field of battle, occasionally skirmishing with the enemy, and on the morning of the 25th, moved three miles to the left, taking position on the left of the Sixth corps, where they were employed in severe skirmish and guard duty during the day. They were again in motion on the following day. Proceeding by way of Magnolia Church, they crossed tho Pamunkey River on the 28th and moving forward about a mile, erected breastworks which they occupied during the passage of the river by the army, and next morning marched three miles, part of the way on the 'double quick,' to reinforce Griffin's division—the rebel attack upon which was repulsed—when the brigade, moving to position on the right of the division, threw up slight breastworks, and bivouacked in line of battle, near the grave of Patrick Henry. On the 30th, they moved two miles to the front, and constructed earthworks under a heavy shell fire from the enemy's batteries. This position was retained until the 1st of June, when the brigade moved forward in the evening, under severe artillery fire, to support some batteries of artillery which were planted in an exposed position, after which, under cover of the darkness, they advanced the lines on their front, within four hundred yards of the rebel works. Here they remained, exposed day and night to the continuous fire of artillery and musketry, until the evening of the 5th, when they were again put in motion to the left, and traveling all night, arrived at four in the morning at Cold Harbor. On the 7th they marched to the Chickahominy, and were stationed one and a half miles above the crossing of the Richmond and West Point railroad, where they were employed in picket duty until the 12th, when they again changed position to the left. Marching late in the evening they crossed the Chickahominy River at Long Bridge, and pushed forward to Charles City Court House, about a mile from which place they encamped on the 14th, near Wilcox's Landing on the James River. Here they crossed the James on the morning of the 16th, and pressing forward by way of Prince George Court House, erected breastworks in front of the enemy before Petersburg on the 17th, the Sixth Wisconsin, which was on the left of the brigade, constituting the extreme left flank of the army of the Potomac. The day was occupied in constant skirmishing with the enemy, and at five on the following morning they moved forward in line of battle, with skirmishers deployed in advance, the Sixth on the left and the Seventh on the right of the brigade front. They advanced, forcing the enemy to his earthworks one mile from Petersburg, when the skirmishers were recalled, and shortly after three in the afternoon, charged the enemy in his earthworks. The brigade, on the extreme left of the line, advanced steadily under a withering fire of artillery and musketry, to a position within pistol shot of the enemy's works, which they held until compelled by an attack in flank to fall back one hundred and fifty yards. In the evening and night, works were constructed within five hundred yards of the enemy's line, from which time, they were constantly engaged in the duties of the siege until its termination. They remained in the front line on the left of Petersburg, until the 18th of August, when they marched six miles to Yellow House on the Weldon railroad, accompanying the movement to the support of the First division, which had obtained possession of the Railroad at that point. In the battle of the next day, the brigade was deployed as skirmishers, the line extending from the right of the line of battle of the Fifth corps to the Second corps, in the main works before Petersburg, the Seventh regiment occupying the extreme right of the skirmish line. The skirmish line was pierced by the enemy, on the left of the Seventh Wisconsin, which retained the position during the night, capturing twenty-six prisoners, without sustaining loss. In the evening of the 20th, this regiment rejoined the brigade on the west side of the railroad, where breastworks were thrown up. On the following morning, the line in front of the railroad, consisting of the First and Second brigades, was attacked by a large force of the enemy, whose assault was gallantly repulsed with great slaughter, the Seventh Wisconsin capturing the battle flag of the Sixteenth Mississippi, with all its field officers. After the engagement of the 21st of August, 1864, the Iron Brigade was employed in siege duty, and guarding the position on the Weldon railroad, until the 27th of October following. At this date, the First brigade, accompanying the Third division of the Fifth army corps, to which it had been transferred, took part in the movement to the extreme left of our line, and participated in the battle at Hatcher's Kun, which had for its object he extension of our line still farther to the left. In this engagement, the Seventh regiment, numbering one hundred and fifty-six muskets, captured two hundred and sixteen prisoners, and released about fifty Union prisoners, with the loss of one man captured by the enemy.* Of the losses of the Sixth, no report has been received. The brigade subsequently returned to camp near the bellow House, on the Weldon Railroad, resuming the performance of siege and guard duty. *Official Report of Major Hollon Richardson, commanding regiment. On the 1st of November, the independent battalion of two companies, composed of members of the Second Wisconsin, remaining in service after the muster-out of that regiment, was transferred to the Sixth Wisconsin, upon the rolls of which they were taken up as companies G and H of that regiment. Early in December, the brigade participated with the Fifth corps, in General Warren's raid on the Weldon railroad. They struck the railroad at Jarratt's Station, thirty miles south of Petersburg, and having destroyed several miles of the track, the Third division returned to position in the trenches before Petersburg. Under command of Brigadier General E. S. Bragg, formerly colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin, the brigade encamped about sixteen miles from City Point, near the military railroad connecting that place with the left of our line on Hatcher's Run, Hero the brigade remained until the 6th of February, 1865, when they broke camp, and moving to the left, participated, on that and the following day, in the engagement at Hatcher's Run, near Dabney's Mill. In this movement, the Third division had the advance, and comprised the principal troops engaged. The Sixth Wisconsin sustained a loss of nine killed, three mortally wonnded and seven missing. The casualties of the Seventh were two killed, twenty-one wounded, and three missing. The brigade returned to camp near the military railroad, remaining about ten days, when orders were received, directing General Bragg's command to proceed to Baltimore, Md. The brigade accordingly moved to City Point, and embarked; but before setting sail, the orders, so far as they related to the Sixth and Seventh regiments, wore countermanded, and these two regiments directed to return immediately to the old brigade camp. On reporting at Humphrey's Station, on the military railroad, to General Crawford, that officer directed their organization as the First Provisional brigade, of which Colonel Kellogg, of the Sixth, was placed in command; Lieutenant Colonel Kerr assuming command of the regiment. Colonel Kellogg's command was augmented, about the 5th of March, by the assignment to the brigade of the Ninety-first New York Heavy Artillery, increasing the aggregate strength of the brigade to nearly three thousand men. Of the operations of the First brigade, during the final campaign, which resulted in the capture of the army commanded by General Lee, I quote the following from the official report of Colonel Kellogg: "On the morning of the 29th of March, 1865, the brigade broke camp, situated near the military railroad, about two miles from Humphrey's Station, and moved in a southwesterly direction to a point about half a mile from the Boydton plank road. At this point the brigade was halted, and moved in column of regiments, right in front. Some firing being heard in my front, the men were ordered to load, soon after which, the command was moved into position in line of battle, as follows: The Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin Veteran Volunteers forming the first line, in rear of the Second brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Baxter. The Ninety-first New York Veteran Volunteers, divided into three battalions, formed on the left flank of the brigade, ready to be deployed, either on the left flank of the line of battle, or in rear of the first line, as circumstances should require. "The enemy being driven from his position on the Boydton plank road by the troops in my front, my command was ordered to a position near that road and facing the same; the Seventh Wisconsin, under command of Colonel Richardson, being advanced to the road; the balance of the brigade being in line of battle about eighty rods to the rear, connecting on the right with the Second brigade, where we remained during the night. On the morning of the 30th of March, the brigade was moved to the Boydton plank road and threw up breastworks, remaining there during the night. "Pursuant to orders from the division commander, my command, on the morning of the 31st of March, moved from their breastworks on tho Boydton plank road, in a northwesterly direction across Gravelly Run, about one mile, when the brgade was massed in column of regiments, right in front, in a thick wood near an open field, and remained in this position about half an hour. The command was then ordered to deploy in line of battle on the left of the Second brigade, commanded by General Baxter. In compliance with this order, I directed the brigade to deploy on the First battalion, but before the movement was completed, (two regiments only, to wit: the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin being inline; the Ninety-first New York, treated as three battalions, not yet having time to deploy), I was ordered to deploy the two Wisconsin regiments and arrest the troops belonging to the front line, consisting of a portion of the Second division, who were flying in confusion from the field. This order I found myself unable to execute; the men breaking through my line, and throwing my own command into confusion. I then ordered the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin to close their intervals, formed them into line of battle, and directed them to open fire, at the same time directing the Ninety-first New York to deploy on the Second battalion, [the Sixth Wisconsin]. "Both orders were promptly executed. The brigade remained thus in line of battle firing rapidly upon the advancing enemy, until both flanks wore turned; and the enemy firing on both flanks and the rear of my command, I then directed Colonel Richardson, commanding the Seventh Wisconsin, to change front so as to meet the fire on his flank, which movement was executed, but the enemy appearing in so large force in my rear, I directed my brigade to retire across Gravelly Run in as good order as possible. In retiring across the stream, my command was somewhat broken up, owing to the fact that the enemy was in their rear, compelling them to fight their way back. My command was the last organized troops to leave the field. The Sixth and Seventh regiments were formed, as they arrived, on the front line, next to the creek near the bridge crossed by the troops in the morning. The Ninety-first New York fell back across the stream, farther to the right. One battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Denslow, formed in an interval between the troops of the Second division, where they remained during the balance of the engagement, doing good service. "When the firing had ceased, I reformed the brigade in the rear of their first position, and ordered the men to lie down. We remained in this position about one hour, when we again moved to the front, across the battle field of the morning, and went into camp about half a mile in advance of the same, in column of battalions, right in front. "About daylight on the morning of the 1st of April, in accordance with orders, I changed the front of my brigade, (by a change of direction,) by the right flank, facing east, and moved in column, faced by the rear rank in a westerly direction, about three-fourths of a mile, through an open field; my right connecting with the Second brigade. At this point, by direction of the general commanding the division, the command was changed from the order in column, and moved, left in front, in a southwesterly direction, following the Second division of the Fifth army corps, to a position on Gravelly Run, near the Moody House and Gravelly Run Church, where, by order of the division commander, the brigade was formed in two lines, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, holding the front. The right of tho brigade connected with General Baxter's command; the left with the Second division. Receiving orders to that effect, I advanced my command to a road, about half a mile in my immediate front, at which point it executed a left wheel. "Here we became engaged with the enemy, my command moving forward and firing as it advanced, driving the enemy before it. In moving through a dense thicket and road, the connection was broken between my left and the Second division, leaving a large interval, which was taken advantage of by the enemy, who threw a force on my left flank and opened fire, evidently with the intention of arresting the forward movement of the line of battle. I ordered my frontline to continue the advance, and directed one battalion of the Ninety-First New York, forming a portion of my second line, under Colonel Tarbell, to deploy on the left flank of the brigade, covering that flank, with orders to move forward and engage the enemy at short range. This order was promptly executed, holding the enemy at bay until the Third brigade, commanded by General Coulter, came up and filled the interval My brigade now occupied the centre of the line, midway between the brigades of Generals Baxter and Coulter, and remained in that relative position until we found the enemy entrenched. We then drove them from their works across an open field, pursuing them closely about three-fourths of a mile, taking many prisoners, and killing and wounding many of the enemy; when, in compliance with orders, the brigade was moved into camp. "Next morning the brigade moved to the South Side railroad, only to find the position abandoned by the enemy. The command, without halting, here moved on the railroad track three or four miles; the mile-board marking thirteen miles from Petersburg, when, by order of General Crawford, the command moved at a rapid rate in a westerly direction, about five miles, where the enemy was found in strong force, in an entrenched position on the Burkeville road. By order of the division commander, I deployed in two lines on the right of the road, my right resting on a wood, my left connecting with the Second brigade. The Seventh Wisconsin was deployed as skirmishers, with orders to cover the entire front of the line of battle. By this time it was quite dark, and the enemy not being able to distinguish our uniforms, was at a loss to know whether we were Yankees or not; and before he had obtained the desired information, the troops were in position to attack or resist, as circumstances should require. Upon ascertaining who we were, the enemy opened fire upon my portion of the line. My men replied, and immediately advanced towards the enemy, and halted within a few rods of his breastworks. The enemy's fire having ceased, I re-formed the line, and the men lay upon their arms until daylight. On the morning of the 3d of April we again took up the line of march, in pursuit of the flying enemy, who had beaten a hasty retreat in the night, but we failed to overtake him, and late in the evening bivouacked for the night. "We broke camp at an early hour on the following morning, and took up the line of march in pursuit of the still flying foe, reaching the Danville railroad at Jettersville Station in the afternoon, finding it occupied by the cavalry of General Sheridan, and the enemy in strong force just beyond. Here the brigade was formed in line of battle, and the troops, weary and footsore, having traveled all day without food, labored nearly all night throwing up breastworks. We remained in this position, resting and awaiting an attack, until the morning of the 6th, when we marched out to attack the enemy, who was found to have again retreated. The day was spent in pursuit, but without overtaking him. "Still pursuing the enemy, on the 7th of April, our tired but gallant column pushed on, following the west side of the Appomattox to High Bridge, on the railroad, reaching that point just after the enemy had crossed, the structure itself having been fired and three spans destroyed. On the 8th, we made a long forced march, the most tiresome, I believe, ever made by troops, being impeded by the wagon train of the Twenty-fourth corps; the infantry being obliged either to march through the thickets, or mix in promiscuously with the wagon train. We camped that night in line of battle. "On the morning of the 9th of April, we again started in pursuit of the enemy, who was brought to bay near Appomattox Court House; but before we became engaged, the enemy, tired, dispirited, harassed and surrounded, surrendered at discretion. "The tabular and nominal lists of casualties in each engagement of the campaign, I have already had the honor to forward. " In conclusion, I beg leave to submit the following list of names of officers and men of my command who have distinguished themselves, and to ask for them a suitable recognition of their services. * * * * * "Captain Oley Grasley, Captain Frederick R. Dearborn, Captain Nicholas Heber, Captain Edson Terrell, Captain John Hoyt, First Lieutenant David C. Ashmore, First Lieutenant Jesse M. Roberts, First Lieutenant Onesimo Rondeau, First Lieutenant Washington Stover and Adjutant Russell Moore, of the Seventh Wisconsin, are all noticed in the most favorable manner for their gallantry, by their regimental commander. "First Lieutenant Mair Pointon, Sixth Wisconsin, proved himself a most reliable officer, and held his company well in hand, both by command and example. Lieutenant Thomas Kelly, of the same regiment, distinguished himself for the coolness and judgment with which he managed his company when assailed by the enemy in their rear—having had a personal encounter with a rebel, meeting the bayonet with his sword, "Sergeants Chauncey Winsor and Isaac Fort, of company A, Sixth Wisconsin, especially deserve mention for their successful efforts in keeping the company together and up to the line, while enduring a severe flank and front fire. The former was severely wounded during the advance of his company. "Corporal James Moody and Sergeant Charles Patrick of company H, Sixth Wisconsin, are mentioned as using the bayonet upon the enemy, and deserve honorable mention. First Sergeant Lewis Ladloff and Corporal Ole Torgorson, of company B; Corporal John H. Jordan and Corporal Richard Corcoran, of company C; Sergeant Henry Jewitt and Sergeant Guilford Smith, of company E, and Corporal James Barry, of company I, all of the same regiment, displayed the highest courage and gallantry. "Color-Sergeant George W. Davis, of company C, Seventh Wisconsin, was conspicuous for gallantry incarrying the colors of the regiment in advance of the line of battle, while advancing to meet the enemy on the 31st of March, and also for great bravery in leading and encouraging the command during the engagement of the 1st inst., especially in the second and third charges of that day. "Sergeant Major William Booth; Sergeant John Harrison, of company E, And Sergeant Hugh Evans, of company G, Seventh Wisconsin, are distinguished for uniform courage, ardent devotion to the interest of the service, and prompt attention to duty. "Sergeant Albert O'Connor, of company A, and Sergeant William H. Sickle, of company B, Seventh Wisconsin, were conspicuous for bravery in rescuing Captain W. L. Herwerth, of the Ninety-first New York, who was a prisoner in the hands of the enemy; capturing three prisoners. This was after our line had fallen back across the creek, on the 31st of March, The circumstances were as follows: Seeing a stand of Confederate colors, they recrossed the creek, and were only foiled in their efforts by the firing of the Union troops. Observing a detachment of some nine Confederates, they attempted their capture, and succeeded in taking three of their number with Captain Herwerth, who was in their hands, and dispersing the remainder. "Sergeant O'Connor also merits particular mention for great bravery on the 1st of April, when, with five enlisted men of other commands, seeing a stand of Confederate colors at the breastworks, when the troops of this command made their second charge through the open field, rushed in front of the line of battle to secure the colors. In the contest, which was hand-to-hand, his five comrades were all killed. He shot the Confederate color bearer, seized the colors, which had been taken up by a Confederate captain, with one hand, and with the other, using the butt of his musket, killed the officer; when, being surrounded by Confederates, he was compelled to relinquish the colors and take shelter behind a friendly tree, where he remained fighting until our line advanced and rescued him. * * "I desire especially to invite attention to the merits of * * * Lieutenant Colonel Kerr, of the Sixth Wisconsin, who was badly wounded while cheering on his men; of Colonel Richardson, of the Seventh Wisconsin; also, of Adjutant Jerome A. Watrous, of the Sixth Wisconsin, A. A. D. C.; of Second Lieutenant Charles W. Atherton, A. A. D. C., and Captain Henry T. Garfield, Brigade Inspector, members of my staff. "The gallant conduct of these officers came under my immediate notice. Lieutenant Watrous was wounded and taken prisoner while gallantly discharging his duty. Lieutenant Watrous and Lieutenant Atherton each lost a horse shot under him, which with the horse shot under my orderly, William Holloway, makes three horses shot from my headquarters on that day by the firing of the enemy. "I beg leave to call attention to the management of the medical department of the brigade during the recent campaign. Surgeon D. Cooper Ayres, of the Seventh Wisconsin, brigade surgeon-in-chief, is deserving of special notice; not only for skill and good management of his department, but also for personal bravery in finding and ministering to the wounded under fire. I respectfully recommend him for brevet, if admissible by the rules of the service. "My two orderlies, William Holloway, of company K, and Henry A. Hackett, of company II, Sixth Wisconsin, behaved in the most gallant manner. * * * * After the surrender of the rebel army, the brigade, on the 11th of April, marched to and encamped at Blacks and Whites, a station on the Petersburg and Lynchburg railroad, thirty-seven miles from the former place, where they remained until ordered to participate in the general movement of the army of the Potomac towards Washington. Marching from Blacks and Whites about the middle of May, they took part on the 23d of that month in the grand review of the army at the national capital, near which they afterwards went into camp. Having been ordered, with a number of other western regiments, which had served in the army of the Potomac, to report to Major General Logan, commanding the army of the Tennessee, the Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin broke camp near Washington on the 17th of June, moved by rail to Parkersburg, Va., and embarking at that place descended the Ohio River to Louisville, Ky., where they arrived on the 22d, and went into camp. Here ten regiments from the army of the Potomac were organized as a Provisional division, under command of General Morrow. Of the two brigades constituting the Provisional division thus organized, the Seventh Wisconsin was assigned to the First, and the Sixth Wisconsiu to the Second brigade, which was placed under command of Colonel Kellogg. Upon the muster out of General Morrow, Colonel Kellogg assumed command of the division. The Seventh regiment was mustered out of service at Louisville on the 3d of July, and on the same day set out for home, arriving on the 5th at Madison, Wisconsin. On the 14th of July, the Sixth was also mustered out of service, and on the 16th, arrived at Madison. On reaching the capital of the state, they became the recipitents [sic] of an enthusiastic public welcome, in the Capitol park, at the hands of the state officers and citizens. At the conclusion of the ceremonies, "the words of command were given; the bronzed veterans wheeled to the right; drums and fifes struck up their stormy music, and with guns at 'right shoulder shift,' and bayonets gleaming in the slant sunbeams, under the green arches of the summer trees, the last organized fragment of the old IRON BRIGADE of the army of the Potomac, bearing the rent and shot torn banners, on which are inscribed the names of such historic battles as South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorville, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run and Five Forks, passed on; to dissolve and disappear from men's eyes forever, but to live immortal in history and in the memory of a grateful people." Additional Comments: Extracted from: ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, WITH REPORTS FROM THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL AND SURGEON GENERAL, FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 30th, 1865. MADISON, WIS.: WILLIAM J. PARK & CO., B00KSELLERS, BINDERS AND STATIONERS. 1866. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/wi/statewide/military/civilwar/other/historyo377gmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/wifiles/ File size: 68.1 Kb